Get ready to ring in the holiday season with a much-anticipated Christmas tradition.
This year’s Christmas cantata, called A Ceremony of Candles, will take place on Dec. 13 and 14 at Stonewall United Church.
Music director Cathy Horbas said the 26-person choir has come together to share their love of singing Christmas music.
“The core of the group is the Stonewall United Church choir with community members joining us just for this production,” she said. “We have a small cast and narrators to round out our presentation.”
Adding to the excitement, this year’s Cantata is an original script written by Stonewall resident Catie Peterson.
“Catie has taken the theme of the music and written a contemporary companion drama that brings in a modern take on the reason for the season,” Horbas said.
“She has done a wonderful job of embedding the importance of holding onto family traditions. We are excited to showcase Catie’s work and provide a venue for the world premiere of Catie’s script.”
For Peterson, the Christmas Cantata marks the first time she’s written anything on this large scale, although she has spent years honing her skills in the performing arts.
“I’ve always loved writing stories, whether for school or on my own time, and I had a bit of practice while attending university — I have a bachelor of arts in theatre and film from the University of Winnipeg — but this was brand new,” said Peterson, who has been involved in the Cantatas as a dancer and performer over the years.
“A couple years ago, alongside Cathy, I did do a script for the Cantata but this year it was all me. I’m usually the actor, so it was a new experience, for sure, but a wonderful one. I’m very thankful she gave me this chance and believes in me.”
However, the writing process was easier than she anticipated.
“The inspiration came very easy — maybe a bit too easy. I wanted the story to be one that was relatable to the audience, and right now that is worrying over aging and financials,” she said.
“Things are hard right now, and we can over stress ourselves into forgetting what Christmas is about. Almost like How the Grinch Stole Christmas ended: Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.”
The audience can look forward to an evening or afternoon of music and warmth, she added.
“Our choir is so amazing, so memorable, and they really do put you in the mood for the season,” Peterson said.
“It feels like Christmas when you leave. Hopefully the audience feels seen and that they aren’t alone — there are others just like them feeling the same way.”
Looking ahead, Peterson said she’d love to see the script performed again.
“It would be fascinating to see another group of actors perspective on my work and words, see what direction they take it,” she said. “That’s the beauty of performing and writing.”
Born and raised in Stonewall, Peterson is happy to share her talents in her home community.
“I’ve gone to school here, danced, sang, attended 4-H and summer camps. I was a Quarry Chorister from 2009 to 2012 throughout high school. My best friends from kindergarten are still my best friends to this day, and I have made countless others over the years,” said Peterson, who works at the Co-op grocery store in town.
“I have a community within this community and it’s so special. We have a beautiful town. I’m proud to live and work in Stonewall. So, if people aren’t a fan of my script, hopefully they will be of the sweet treats I make in the bakery department here at the Co-op — which may have a small mention in the show.”
A Ceremony of Candles will take place on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m., as well as Sunday, Dec. 14 at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children.
Tickets are available by contacting the church office at 204-467-5469 and leaving a message or emailing unitedc@mymts.net. Tickets are also available from any choir member.
All proceeds will go towards supporting Stonewall United Church.
